Dassault Systèmes Partners with Washington State to Prepare the Next Generation of Aerospace Innovators

Training Program to Prepare Students for Careers in the State’s Growing Aerospace Industry

VELIZY-VILLACOUBLAY, France – July 31, 2012 — Dassault Systèmes (Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA), the 3DEXPERIENCE Company, world leader in 3D design software, 3D Digital Mock Up and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, announced that it has entered into an academic partnership with the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges to promote statewide education of Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform, which is widely used by leading aerospace OEMs. The agreement was signed earlier this month at the Farnborough Air Show in England by Gov. Chris Gregoire and Dassault Systèmes’ Philippe Forestier.

“We are extremely appreciative of the competitive academic offering that we’ve received through this partnership with Dassault Systèmes,” said Gov. Gregoire. “The number of aerospace suppliers in the state of Washington has increased by 30 percent since 2005 and relationships like this are critical for us to continue to attract business to the state. I commend our Department of Commerce for their ongoing hard work to develop and expand such important industry collaborations.”

Washington has already invested $4.8 million for aerospace training and apprenticeship programs during Gov. Gregoire’s administration. With this agreement, the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges is purchasing foundational applications of Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform, including CATIA and ENOVIA. The platform will be implemented during the 2012-2013 academic year, with 34 of the state’s two-year colleges each having access to the software. In addition to the software, Dassault Systèmes will also provide extensive online training for the personnel who will be teaching the courses.

“Our community and technical colleges are knowledge-producers for the aerospace industry,” said Charlie Earl, executive director of the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges. “This agreement means more students can take what they learn in the classroom directly into the workplace, without the need for extensive, on-the-job training.”

“Now CATIA is going to be available to every community and technical college in Washington, including those that were previously unable to afford it,” said Mary Kaye Bredeson, executive director of the Center of Excellence for Aerospace and Advanced Materials Manufacturing at Everett Community College. “It’s an important tool to prepare students for high-skill, high-wage jobs in aerospace.”

“Dassault Systèmes understands the enormous value of educating the next generation of innovators in 3DEXPERIENCE,” said Monica Menghini, executive vice president, Industry, Dassault Systèmes. “In support of the growing aerospace industry in Washington State and the more than 92,000 workers employed in this sector, Dassault Systèmes recently opened a new office in South Lake Union near Seattle. This office will help support the rollout of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform and is the point of contact for the aerospace industry and training program.”

“This is our first state-wide licensing agreement and we commend the State of Washington for embarking on such an ambitious education program,” said Philippe Forestier, executive vice-president of Global Affairs and Communities, Dassault Systèmes. “This illustrates incredible commitment on their part to developing the most technically proficient aerospace workforce in the world, and we are proud to play a major role in this initiative.”

Educators and students interested in the Dassault Systèmes software solutions can visit http://www.academy.3ds.com where products and support are offered at special academic pricing.

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About Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges

The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges is led by a Governor-appointed board and provides leadership, advocacy, and coordination for Washington’s system of 34 public community and technical colleges. Each year, nearly 500,000 students train for the workforce, prepare to transfer to a university, gain basic math and English skills, or pursue continuing education. For more information, visit www.sbctc.edu.

About Dassault Systèmes

Dassault Systèmes, the 3DEXPERIENCE Company, provides business and people with virtual universes to imagine sustainable innovations. Its world-leading solutions transform the way products are designed, produced, and supported. Dassault Systèmes’ collaborative solutions foster social innovation, expanding possibilities for the virtual world to improve the real world. The group brings value to over 190,000 customers of all sizes, in all industries, in more than 140 countries. For more information, visit www.3ds.com.